BORN in Spain, Rubén López Mesa has brought genuine knowledge of Spanish gastronomy since 2009 to Australia, showcasing traditional recipes, techniques and cultural significance.
He combines authentic ingredients like PDO-labeled items with seasonal & locals, making him a perfect ambassador for Spanish gastronomy.
Rubén has appeared on national TV, including Season 7 of The Cook Up with Adam Liaw on SBS Food, and Moving to the Country on ABC.
He’s also been featured in radio interviews, food magazines and newspapers, praising Spanish food and culture.
His work has been recognised by Spanish organisations and Australian media, especially as the creator and founder of Eat Spanish, winner of the VII Malaspina Award for the efforts to promote the diversity of Spanish gastronomy and culture in Australia.
Ruben discovered his love for cooking as a child.
It was his grandmother, Emilia, who instilled in him some of the most valuable lessons he would carry with him throughout his adult life, leading him to become one of Australia’s most lauded chefs.
“She told me about ‘cocina de aprovechamiento’, the zero-waste approach to food that Spanish home cooks use because of the hardships of the Civil War and the ‘hunger years’,” he said.
“Those stories, those lessons, will be passed to my daughter, and will remain one of the most important, intergenerational lessons I can offer to anyone in this country.”
Ruben said the Central West has served as the idyllic home base from which to grow his gastronomic ventures.
“I love the four distinctive seasons and everything you can get in our region, plus the amazing products due to the high altitude, cool climate and volcanic soil,” he said. “I knew straight away that our region was home
“I’m in love with forest mushrooms, local extra virgin olive oil, amazing saffron, seasonal fruit and vegetables and great local grapes like Nebbiolos or Cab Francs.”
Homecooking is his passion and we are extremely lucky to have him with us at Molong Express as a food writer contributor.
Buckle up and check his recipes weekly and roll up your sleeves at home to give them a try. You can also check out what Ruben is cooking up any time via his website rubenlopezmesa.com.au.